Former Disney star Sofia Carson is once again charming Netflix audiences, this time with her new romantic comedy The Life List, which began streaming today. Written and directed by Adam Brooks, known for the 2008 rom-com Definitely, Maybe, the film is adapted from the 2013 best-selling novel of the same name by Lori Nelson Spielman. The Life List stars Carson as a woman struggling to find herself in life after the death of her mother, played by Emmy-nominated actor Connie Britton.
In the film, Alex learns that she will not be receiving the same inheritance as her siblings until she completes her "life list," a set of goals she wrote for herself when she was just 13 years old. This list, left by her mother as a way to help her daughter get out of a rut, serves as a reminder of her childhood dreams and aspirations.
Also starring Kyle Allen, Sebastian de Souza, and Maria Jung, The Life List is described as funny, cathartic, and romantic, taking place in the bustling backdrop of New York City. But just because a movie takes place in one location doesn’t always mean it was filmed there. In this case, however, The Life List was indeed filmed on location in New York City and the surrounding area.
Director Adam Brooks and producer Liza Chasin are both New Yorkers, which adds an authentic touch to the film. Brooks shared in an interview, “I’ve spent most of my adult life in New York, and as a child, I came here all the time. My father was from Brooklyn. He grew up a mile from where the 'Rose House' is in Ditmas Park. I think that part of the charm and the strength of movies like this is making the locations feel viable and real.”
Scenes depicting life in Burlington, Vermont, where Alex’s long-lost father lives, were actually filmed in Nyack, NY. The restaurant where Alex finds her dad, Purdy’s, is actually a Japanese place called Wasabi restaurant in Nyack. The production also filmed at the First Reformed Church of Nyack on South Broadway.
According to critics, The Life List balances a perfect mix of romance, self-discovery, and tear-jerking tragedy. The film’s messaging resonates particularly with those who have experienced the loss of a loved one, especially a parent. One reviewer noted, “Anyone who has grieved a loved one will find its messaging to contain pangs of rawness and authenticity.”
In the film, after Alex’s mother dies, she finds herself coasting at a job for her mother’s cosmetics company and in a relationship with a charming guy she ultimately does not love. When she learns that her mother has left her company to her daughter-in-law, Alex is shocked and feels as though she has been fired from beyond the grave.
Brad, the much younger executor of Elizabeth’s estate, brings Alex a package left by her mother containing a DVD and her childhood bucket list. Through a series of posthumous videos, Alex is challenged to confront her dreams and goals, which include performing stand-up, getting tattoos, and finding true love. The list becomes a roadmap for her to live her best life.
As Alex checks off items on her list, she must report back to Brad for the next DVD. If she manages to finish the entire list by New Year’s, Elizabeth has arranged a special envelope for Alex that will give her closure on the whole affair. Critics have noted that the film embraces the tone of its cinematic predecessors while carving out a new path for Alex’s character arc.
As Alex engages with her list, she forms a bond with Brad, despite him already having a long-distance girlfriend. The film cleverly intertwines romantic elements with heartfelt revelations about Alex’s past, showcasing her character growth as she takes risks and faces fears.
Connie Britton’s portrayal of Elizabeth remains vital throughout the film, as her character’s presence looms large even after her passing. Each DVD message is filled with wisdom, offering gut punches of emotionality that resonate deeply with Alex’s journey.
Critics have praised the chemistry between Carson and Allen, noting that their easy banter and shared moments add depth to the story. The film’s ticking clock element adds urgency to Alex’s journey, as she navigates her way through love interests and personal growth.
Despite some criticisms about the film’s predictability and tropes common in romantic comedies, many viewers have found The Life List to be a charming watch. The film’s ability to blend humor with poignant themes of grief and self-discovery has resonated with audiences.
As Sofia Carson reflects on her role, she shares that her own experiences have influenced her connection to Alex’s journey. In a recent interview, she stated, “Finding love is something that should be on all of our lists. Through this beautiful journey, she falls in love with herself. It’s a journey that is scary, but that all of us should go on.”
Carson’s mother played a significant role in her decision to take on this project, as she was the one who encouraged her to read the script. Carson recalls, “I remember I was in a meeting and I get a text from my mom: 'Stop whatever you're doing and read this script.' I felt that in Alex Rose, I not only saw myself, but I felt that Alex Rose is all of us at some point in our lives when we feel like we're alive, but we're not living.”
The Life List is now streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a heartfelt reminder to pursue their dreams and rediscover their passions. With its engaging storyline and relatable characters, it’s a film that many will want to revisit time and again.
